CFP: [Theory] To (Un)Make the Pain: The Language and Empathy of Suffering (grad panel, 10/15/07; 2/29/08-3/1/08)

In Elaine Scarryâ€™s book Body in Pain: The Making and Unmaking of theWorld, she claims that pain is language destroying, essentiallyestablishing a barrier between the self and reality that eliminatesmeaningful communication with the outside world. Therefore, not only isit impossible to adequately describe pain, but the possibility of empathyis all but destroyed. This panel seeks critical and creativepresentations that explore and engage the question: How can a subjecteffectively communicate the experience of pain? How can a communityunderstand or empathize with that subject? Topics may include specificwriters â€" such as Sylvia Plath or Philip K. Dick â€" or a more generaltheoretical study.

Submit 350-word paper proposals by September 30 to the Southwest GraduateEnglish Symposium to be held at Arizona State University, February 29-March 1, 2008. Please include your name, professional affiliation, homeand office numbers, mailing address, and email address. Also, pleaseinclude any A/V requirements with your submission.

Submit all proposals and questions to asu2008symp_at_gmail.com (Attention:Cindi).